BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong says a new program unveiled Thursday will benefit ag land across the state.
It’s called the Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program.
The goal of the voluntary working lands program is to help North Dakota farmers strengthen cropland productivity and resilience with perennial grass cover, while improving soil health and water retention and creating much-needed wildlife habitat and access for hunters.
“We have to figure out how we create habitat in an environment that is beneficial to people who love to shoot pheasants, grouse, partridge, deer, geese, whatever it is,” Armstrong said.
The Game and Fish Department partnered with the Association of Soil Conservation Districts for the pilot project by securing $4.3 million from the state’s Outdoor Heritage Fund, along with $2.2 million in matching contributions from partners, for the two-year, $6.5 million pilot project.
Game and Fish Director Jeb Williams said the additional grassland will provide much-needed cover for deer and grassland birds.
